Shareholder grills CEO of Dick’s Sporting Goods for anti-gun policies

By Molly Prince

An investor confronted the CEO of the Dick’s Sporting Goods chain at an annual shareholders meeting in Pittsburgh, blasting the retailer’s recent restrictions on gun sales and its anti-gun advocacy.

David Almasi, a vice president at the National Center for Public Policy Research, attended the meeting Wednesday representing the think tank’s Free Enterprise Project, according to a report by Fox Business. Almasi accused Dick’s Sporting Goods CEO Edward Stack of violating fiduciary duties by knowingly and purposely giving up money.

“[Dick’s] has damaged its reputation by lending its voice and its resources to those who want to abolish the Second Amendment,” Almasi told Stack. “Thirty percent of American adults own guns, and another 11 percent live with someone who does. You’ve now alienated them.”

Dick’s made policy changes after the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida, left 17 dead. The company announced it would no longer sell modern sporting rifles or high-capacity magazines. It also increased the purchase age for all firearms to 21, which Almasi pointed out is three years after Americans are eligible for military service.

Dick’s also hired lobbyists to promote gun restrictions, while saying it supports the Second Amendment.

Almasi identified multiple statements by Stack that acknowledged anti-gun policies have hurt business:

Sales are so anemic and relations with gun manufacturers such as Mossberg so poor right now that you’ve even indicated Dick’s might get out the gun business entirely. Meanwhile, Sportsman’s Warehouse reports that their gun sales and net sales were up 15 percent during the first quarter. That company credits consumer backlash against companies such as Dick’s as partially responsible for its success.

Stack responded by underlining the retailers commitment to the new policies. “We will not be changing our position,” he said.

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Image courtesy of St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office

2 thoughts on “Shareholder grills CEO of Dick’s Sporting Goods for anti-gun policies

  1. Dicks is to firearms what 7/11 is to department stores.
    I won’t even bother going in to a Dicks to use the restroom.

  2. Dick’s (Edward Stack) made policy changes after the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland,
    Florida left 17 dead. The company announced it would no longer sell modern sporting rifles
    or high-capacity magazines, Why?

    I guess all the other shootings since Columbine High School April 20, 1999. Didn’t matter as
    nothing was done? All this is, is a Liberal trying to show ” Dick’s ” really cares and is willing
    to put his Company in turmoil. Good, as this will accomplish is nothing as far as stopping
    this carnage by Criminals it’s not the (Law-Abiding) Citizens that visited your store.

    Not a smart business move and shareholders should be PO. Dick’s better start selling more
    Soccer balls & Sneaker to make up for the loss. If all goes well they’ll be shutting their doors
    for good, thank you Liberals for indoctrinating another fool!

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